You’re stopped at a red light, and there is a lot of traffic anyway – so you figure ‘What’s the big deal?’ You justify in your mind that it’s ok to whip out your cell phone and check your email or Facebook or your missed calls…because technically, you’re not driving at that moment. Suddenly, you’re startled by someone honking at you, and that’s when you realize how engrossed you’d become in your cell phone activities that you failed to notice the green light.

But it’s not a big deal.

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Driving While Texting Statistics

While sending or receiving a text message while driving may not seem like such a big deal; it actually is. Let’s take a look at some of the statistics below:

• In 2011, at least 23 percent (or 1.3 million) of car crashes involved cell phones .
• It takes a minimum of 5 seconds for your attention to be drawn away from the road when texting while driving. If you’re driving at 55mph, this is equivalent of traveling the length of a football field without looking at the road!
• Texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to crash your car.
• 77 percent of young adults interviewed claim that they can safely text while driving.
• Teens who text while driving spend an average of 10 percent of their driving time, NOT driving in their lane.
• 1 in 5 drivers admit to surfing the Internet while driving.
• 39 states (including Washington D.C.) prohibit the use of texting while driving.
• 10 states prohibit the use of a hand-held cell phone at all.

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The Solution to Texting while Driving

If you don’t think that sending or receiving a text message doesn’t affect you, then think again. In the split second that you’re glancing at your cell phone screen, you could be missing a moment where an animal suddenly runs into the street or a child wanders into the road or the car that you thought was so far ahead of you suddenly stops short.

The best offense is a good defense, and nowhere is this more true than when you are on the road. Remember, driving is a privilege, not a right. We need to be more vigilant and that means keeping our eyes on the road at all times, prepared for anything.

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*Note: This is a guest post written by one of our readers. For more information on how to submit a guest post, please read our guest posting guidelines.

I have been an automobile owner and driver since my first year in college (I won’t tell how long ago that was), and I have probably experienced all of your typical car trouble scenarios. From tire blowouts to flat tires to engines that won’t start- you name it; I’ve been there!

Most of the car-associated problems I encountered during my entire driving life had to do with either starting (or stalling), and the state of my vehicle’s tires. The numbers might vary for other people, of course, but I usually run into people who have had similar problems, which leads me to believe that I am not alone in my vehicle woes.

Tire Inflation

Most new cars have sensors that tell the driver the inflation levels of their tires, thanks to electronics incorporated into their valves. Most of the time, that means you won’t have to go down and check them personally.

After experiencing a tire blowout due to faulty readings, I have learned not to trust the car’s built-in tire pressure sensors. I purchased my own analog tire gauge and compared the results of the digital readings to a manual measurement just to make sure it was reporting the correct values. I also examined the tires to make sure that they were firm; and of course, I also looked at the tires to see if they were under-inflated or over-inflated.

Wheel Alignment

This is another inconvenience that is sometimes noticed when you start driving, especially on long and straight stretches of road. Even with your best efforts at turning the wheel towards the center, cars with alignment problems will eventually veer off to one direction or another. In mild cases, just turning the wheel a little towards the opposite direction will offset the veering, but this is a temporary solution.

Uneven tire wear can cause your car to steer off in one direction, but there are other reasons to consider. To be on the safe side, always pay a periodic visit (three times a year, for me) to a trusted auto shop to have your wheels rotated and aligned. This is important for not only the life and longevity of your vehicle but for your safety and the safety of others as well.

Retiring Old Tires

At some point, there will come a time when all the realignments, rotations, and air pressure measurements will be rendered futile, because of the wear of your tires. Worn tires are unable to provide reliable and safe service. In some cases, it may be more affordable to buy tires and wheels online because you may find a larger selection when it comes to brands, models, and of course, prices. Be sure to purchase a spare or two; everyone needs spares at some point!

About the Author:

Stacey Thompson is a professional writer, marketer, entrepreneur, and a lover of weird little animals. She is based in San Diego, California, and is still getting the hang of driving a pickup truck. Stacey and her friends have a blog about the events of their lives, Word Baristas.

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*Note: This is a guest post written by one of our readers. For more information on how to submit a guest post, please read our guest posting guidelines.

Everyone knows that cars need to be taken care of and maintained regularly. But, not everyone does it the right way. You may think that you know everything about the basic maintenance stuff, such as oil changes, changing tires, checking coolant levels, and so on, but a lot of people make mistakes even with these simple tasks.

This is because there are countless myths about car maintenance that make people do certain repairs when they are not supposed to be done and replace certain parts when they are not supposed to be replaced. That’s why car owners have to know which car-maintenance tips their mechanics or their friends give them are not true and should be ignored.

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You Should Change Your Engine Oil Every 3,000 Miles

This myth has existed since the 1970s, and a lot of people still believe they should change their oil every 3,000 miles, despite the fact that this recommendation is very old and cars and engines have changed a lot in the past couple of decades. It’s a huge misconception that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles, since engine technology now is much more advanced and sophisticated. Plus, there are better, more efficient oils now, that last longer and that have to be changed after 10,000 – 15,000 miles. The sooner you realize that this rule doesn’t apply any more, the sooner you may start saving money, since oil can be quite expensive these days.

Premium Fuel is Better Than Regular

It’s a common misconception that premium gas helps the car perform better and be more powerful. People believe this because premium gas has higher octane rating, which they think translates into more power and higher quality. If your car’s manufacturer recommends that you use regular gas for your car, there is no need to put premium. It may prevent engine knocking and pinging, but it won’t improve your car’s performances. You should only use premium if you have some sort of sports car, because they do require gas with high octane ratings.

You Have To Warm Up Your Engine Before You Start Driving

This used to be true 20-30 years ago, but definitely not any more. Back then, cars needed a couple of minutes of idling so that various parts can start working properly. But now that there are engines with direct fuel injection, there is no need to do that. Even though some engine parts still need some time to warm up, the best way to do that is to start moving, instead of just starting your engine and staying put at the parking lot or in your garage. Also, some parts get warmed up faster when the car is moving, and on top of that, before you start driving, and your car idles, it produces much more emissions, so it’s pretty harmful to the environment, as well.

To sum up, car owners nowadays have to do some research and get updated information regarding car maintenance, and forget about these myths that can do more harm than good.

About the Author: 

Jordan Perch is an active promoter of the new developments in the automotive industry. He is an author of many how-to articles related to safe driving, green cars, buying/selling vehicles, auto insurance etc., and he’s currently writing for DMV.com

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For some reason Hollywood can’t just drive a vehicle from point A to point B to get it where it needs to be. Instead, they resort to over-the-top travel methods that under real-life circumstances would render the vehicle inoperable or at the very least pretty banged up. But it’s Hollywood, and the scenes are still fun to watch!

This is a good time for a “Don’t Try This At Home” statement.

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Moving Ramps

Probably the most popular means of transporting cars on TV and the big screen is the infamous moving ramp. Helping getaway vehicles since the first set of tires hit pavement, ramps attached to semi-trucks and countless other things have been the go-to for spies, hijackers, thieves, and daredevils alike. Here are a few examples you may remember:

• The Italian Job: The Mini Coopers drive onto a converted bus after escaping the fuzz. Check out the classic clip here.
• Chevy Commercial: Notorious for his love of action-packed car scenes, director Michael Bay put together this commercial of various Chevy cars and trucks boarding a transport carrier.
• Knight Rider: KITT made it a regular occurrence to pull into his storage/command center semi-truck. The best part is, the show Mythbusters proved that it isn’t just Hollywood magic. It’s entirely possible! Check out the clip on YouTube or on Discovery Channel, available with most cable and satellite providers.

TV Shoots

If a semi-truck just isn’t fast enough, take to the air! Here are a couple of instances where planes intentionally or inadvertently have air dropped their vehicular cargo.

• The A-Team Movie: Despite their plane being shot down, the ex-soldiers were fortunate enough their tank had three convenient parachutes. See how much the shoots helped here.
• Red Bull Commercial: These thrill-seekers must not have anyone available to pick them up upon touching down. The solution? Bring your jeep along with you, of course.

Shipping Your Vehicle the Right Way

Obviously, most people with a head on their shoulders wouldn’t actually attempt these shortcuts to transport their vehicle. But what’s not so obvious is avoiding other shortcuts such as discount shippers who may be uninsured, or worse, trying to haul your vehicle yourself. It is important to hire a professional car shipper who is experienced, knows the exact needs for your vehicle, and will get you your shipment on time.

Don’t fall into a trap. Otherwise, your vehicle may end up being shipped like this cop car.

About the Author:

David was first introduced to the world of car transportation watching Knight Rider as a boy. Since then, he has become a writer for getdirecttv.org where he gets to write about his first love every day: TV and film.

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More people are using car transportation companies for the safe, fast shipment of their vehicles from destination to destination. For instance, car transportation may make more sense in a situation where you are relocating from Texas to Maine for a career move. Hiring a reputable car transportation company can reduce stress, time spent on the road and unnecessary wear and tear put onto your vehicle.

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Trusting Your Car Transport Company

It can sometimes be difficult to turn your car keys over to a stranger and trust that they will be able to safely and effectively transport your car from your current location to a completely different city and state, located hundreds of miles away. This is why it is important to research several different car transport companies. Look at their websites, the services offered and what other past customers have said about their experiences. Do they offer a free car transport rate quote? Compare prices and give them a call!

At National Transport, our car transport drivers are licensed and insured, trained professionals in the area of shipping various kinds of vehicles. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, a trusted car transport company can significantly reduce your stress and wear and tear on your vehicle. Give us a call today at 1.800.665.5022.

Fast Car Transport When You Want; Where You Want

We live in an increasingly mobile society. People have smartphones, laptops and careers that take them out of the ‘traditional’ office environment and into a home office or even to other locations around the country on business trips. Think about how car transportation companies make your life more manageable when you’re preparing to move or when you’re preparing for a job relocation.

National Transport provides door-to-door car transport, meaning that we pick your vehicle up directly from your driveway and deliver it to your next designated location. From eBay car sales to military personnel, to car manufactures to college moves; there are numerous reasons to hire a car transport company. Call National Transport today and find out, first-hand, why car transportation is safer, better and faster than ever before.

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*Note: This is a guest post written by one of our readers. For more information on how to submit a guest post, please read our guest posting guidelines.

Female car buyers have vastly different preferences and tastes than their male counterparts. Women prefer foreign cars, with Kia, Nissan, Mini and Honda taking the top four spots in 2012, according to a Truecar.com study. Women clearly prefer fuel-efficient, smaller cars as opposed to the gas-guzzling SUVs and hotrods men gravitate toward. Dodge and GMC were the top two automakers for the guys, and 88.2 percent of all Porsche 911′s were purchased by men in 2012.

We’ve compiled data from several different surveys — LA Times, AOL, Yahoo, and Autoguide.com — and came up with the top five most popular automobiles for female buyers.

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Volvo S40

The 2011 S40 Sedan is not only fuel efficient, but also packs a punch for a smaller car. Its sporty European look is a big reason 57.9 percent of buyers that year were female. It retailed at a relatively low price just less than $28,000. Volvo discontinued the sedan for 2012, citing down sales and deceasing demand among American buyers. The Volvo S60 is the next closest model and perfect substitute for those who can’t get enough of the S40.

Nissan Rogue

The small SUV is the most popular of several Nissans preferred by women. With its 58 cubic feet of cargo space, it can carry equipment and a few extra bodies. The Rogue starts at a mere $24,000 and averages around 25 mpg. The chic styling and smooth ride are likely what pushes the Rogue beyond its two closest competitors: the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Volkwagon Eos

The closest thing to a pure sportscar on the list, the Eos is also by far the most expensive. The standard Eos is convertible and comes with a small, yet powerful engine to give it that extra boost when you’re feeling a little frisky. A set of new BFGoodrich tires and custom wheels will give the Eos great cornering ability and an even jazzier look. It takes only 25 seconds for the motorized roof to retract and there is even a setting that opens only the front section, like a de-facto sunroof. The Eos comes with either a six-speed stick shift or automatic transmission.

Hyundai Tucson

The most attractive thing about the Tucson is its incredibly low $19,145 MSRP for the base model. Hyundai does not skimp on features for this price either. It comes with air conditioning, a better-than-average factory stereo, and USB ports to connect your iPod, smartphone or other device. It doesn’t have the cargo space or the giddyup of its competitors, but you definitely cannot beat the price. Edmunds says the Tucson’s cabin design and sportscar-like handling are the reasons it is a top-five small crossover vehicle.

Jeep Compass

The most preferred U.S.-made car by American women, the Compass is yet another affordable compact crossover. Thecarconnection.com gave it nine stars out of 10 for the features that come with the base model. Remote start, Bluetooth, a 30-gigabyte media storage system, and a rechargeable flashlight are just a few of the reasons for the high rating. The 29 mpg fuel rating on the highway is also one of the best in its class.

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*Note: This is a guest post written by one of our readers. For more information on how to submit a guest post, please read our guest posting guidelines.

If you ever decide to plan a trip with your family it is very important that you put in the necessary work beforehand so that everything works out smoothly. Here are some questions you can ask yourself before you begin your trip planning.

[image by Maggiejumps]

What is your goal?

The first question that is absolutely essential for you to ask before you consider anything else is “what is your goal?” Is your family very tired and in desperate need of rest and relaxation? Your goal might then be to feel well rested and rejuvenated by the end of the trip. Or perhaps you want your family to have some quality time together. Your goal might then be to have experiences that all of you will remember for the rest of your life. Goals help narrow the focus of your planning and ultimately provide for a better trip.

How much do you want to spend?

The second crucial question is “how much can you budget for this trip?” This all depends on your goals. It is completely possible to go sightseeing or get some r & r under a strict budget, but if you have a bucket list that needs to be fulfilled perhaps you will choose something that is outside your budget. For most families though it will be very important to make sure that you can safely budget for a trip that accommodates the size of your family. Consider all the possible expenses and budget accordingly.

Where are you going?

So clearly you’re going to need to have some sense of a destination. Choose a destination that accommodates your goals and budget. This is where the creativity gets involved. Your destination is essentially the medium or vessel you will use in order to accomplish your goals. So have fun with this stage and plan accordingly.

What should you bring?

When packing it is important to remember two things: First, where are you going? Obviously you want to bring the appropriate clothing and items for the appropriate destination but make sure you plan for all those little events during your trip. Maybe you have a nice dinner planned that requires formal attire. The second thing to ask is, how many people do you need to pack for? Make sure everyone is accounted for and has all of the appropriate items for the trip.

Will you be flexible or will you stick to a schedule?

Looking forward it is important to think about whether or not you have a strict schedule to adhere to. If you know you are going to be flexible with your time you can skip this question. But if you have a strict schedule make sure you have budgeted enough time so that you can reach all of your events and destinations on time.

How comfortable do you want to be?

Think about how comfortable you and the family will be during the trip. Are you really looking to ruff it and is the family prepared to deal with that decision? It’s important to have a comfort threshold and know when how everyone will respond.

What is your mode of transportation?

Lastly you are going to want to ask how you are going to travel around. You’ll have three primary instances where you’ll need to consider your transportation needs: Your trip to your destination, your transportation needs while at your destination or during your travels, and your trip home.

Sign up for a motor club before your trip. Motor clubs provide you with resources during your travels, and can even provide deals and discounts. You’ll be able to get emergency roadside assistance if your car breaks down or some other emergency on the road. Consider carefully all the needs that need to be met in order to have a smooth trip.

If you are asking yourself these questions you are well on your way to having an excellent trip with your family.

About the Author:

James P. writes about travel on behalf of Allstate Motor Club, an auto club that provides travel deals and other travel services. Visit Allstate Motor Club for more on driving resources, roadside assistance programs, and membership information.

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Trying to figure out how you are going to get all of your things packed and ready to go is one issue; but when you throw children into the mix, it can add more stress to a situation as you try to figure out what items they need to pack as well as what form of travel you are going to take.

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Relocating for a Job: Choose Auto Transport and Fly

Choosing an auto transport company gives you the freedom to know that your vehicle will be picked up from your front door and delivered to the front door of your new home. This leaves you time to focus on other things, such as plane tickets, more packing and perhaps more importantly: spending less time traveling by car with children! It also saves you the unnecessary wear and tear that you would’ve otherwise put your vehicle through by trying to ‘rough’ it across state lines and unfamiliar roadways.

Day Trips: Drive

If you’re just going to visit an out-of-town relative or perhaps some other brief trip to a local amusement park, it may make more sense to just jump in the car and drive. For instance, someone who lives in New York but is thinking of taking their kids to see Six Flags (located next door, in New Jersey) may decide to just hop in the car and go versus rent a car or take some other form of mass transit.

When traveling with kids by car, be sure to include them in the planning of the road trip. Let them map things out, and make sure you bring plenty of fun activities and healthy, non-perishable snacks.

Overseas Vacations: Fly then Rent or use Mass Transit

Traveling overseas or out of the country with children (particularly depending on their ages) can be a bit tricky. Most times, however, it doesn’t pose a problem as long as you are prepared. Traveling out of the country is easiest when you travel by plane and then choose to rent a vehicle once you get to wherever it is you are going. If you don’t feel comfortable driving, then make sure you make arrangements ahead of time to figure out where and how the local mass transit works. More often than not, your hotel will be able to direct your path.

No matter where your travels take you or why, you’ll always want to keep your children’s travel needs in the equation. Think about things such as how their age and health may or may not be a factor in your decision. Also consider your needs. If you’re relocating for a major career change, and the job is located 1,000 miles away from where you currently live, it may be in your best interest (and your family’s) to hire a reputable car shipping company.

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*Note: This is a guest post written by one of our readers. For more information on how to submit a guest post, please read our guest posting guidelines.

Buying a car is hardly something people look forward to or enjoy. It is often stressful and can be a hassle. However, buying a car doesn’t have to be something you dread. The recent development of online car auctions offers buyers a convenient and possibly fun alternative to the standard procedure of buying a car.

It’s like eBay but for Cars

By now, most people are familiar with buying and selling products online. Websites such as eBay and uBid offer consumers online auctions where they can bid to buy items online. It works the same way as a normal auction, just online. Similar to these online auction sites, online car auctions provide the same service but for cars. These online car auctions provide many benefits for those attempting to purchase a car all through the buying process.

Advantages of Online Car Auctions

Due to the hassles and stresses of buying a car through traditional means, more and more people are turning to online car auctions. These auctions provide an alternative to standard avenues of buying a car with many benefits and advantages.

The main advantage to buying a car through an online car auction is the same advantage you gain from buying a car at a normal auction. There is the opportunity to buy the car at a discount. As with a normal auction you can continuously bid on the vehicle and if the price gets too high, you can simply stop bidding. However, in most cases the price the car actually sells for will be considerably lower than the asking price you would find at a dealership or through an individual seller. This benefit is taken a step further by online auctions as it can be done from home.

Through online auctions buyers can purchase a vehicle without ever leaving the comfort of their own home. These auctions will often send paperwork and the title to your house overnight and through an auto transportation company you can have your car delivered to your house in just a few days. This means that you can actually purchase a vehicle and have it in your driveway without ever leaving your home!

It’s Fun!

If you’ve ever participated in an auction then you know how much fun it can be. Trying to outbid a competitor for an item you want is fun and exciting, and this is no different with cars. Online car auctions provide an alternative for purchasing a car that takes something that is usually tedious and uncomfortable and turns it into something interesting and enjoyable.

Whether you’re a collector or simply looking for your next rig, online car auctions provide a unique alternative to traditional means of buying a vehicle. Purchasing a car through an online auction provides buyers with a convenient, exciting, and in most cases cheaper option for buying a car.  So next time you need to purchase a car you should consider buying it through an online car auction and you may not even need to leave the comfort of your own home.

About the Author:

Vince Evans has grown up around cars but is currently in between rigs after his 1980 Firebird flew the coop. When he’s not trying to resurrect American muscle he writes about New Jersey used car dealers.

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*Note: This is a guest post written by one of our readers. For more information on how to submit a guest post, please read our guest posting guidelines.

You might not be a warrior princess with superhuman powers, but that doesn’t mean that you’re still not a heroine of sorts fighting for justice. It’s just that the justice you’re fighting for is making a sale and moving cars off your lot, not beating up bad guys and saving the world.

Comparing Apples to Oranges

We know what you’re thinking – it’s like comparing apples to oranges trying to compare the superhero Wonder Woman to selling cars. But you don’t have to be a DC comic book buff to see similarities between how selling with Wonder Woman type values (i.e., truth, justice and the American way) can also help you grow a successful, profitable and turn-key business.

So just how would Wonder Woman go about selling cars and turning her dealership into a highly successful business? Let’s take a look:

Lasso of Truth

The Lasso of Truth is one of the many weapons in Wonder Woman’s arsenal of gear. And it should be in your arsenal of sales tactics, too. Think about it – sales people in general, specifically car sales people, are typically perceived as liars, slimy and the type of people that will do anything to make a sale, regardless of whether those actions are deemed professional or not.

If your product is good enough, you shouldn’t have to use those tactics to make a sale. Like Wonder Woman, be truthful, be honest and work not just to sell a car, but to provide good service and pricing so that you can earn a repeat customer.

Speak the language.

In the comics, one of Wonder Woman’s powers is the ability to speak every language known to man – a reflection of her Amazon upbringing. You don’t have to speak every language, but you need to be able to “talk car.” That is, you have to know a thing or two about cars and what you’re selling to relate to your customer and establish yourself as the expert source in this regard. If you come across as knowledgeable and informative, you’ll likely make more sales.

Find your Justice League.

For Wonder Woman, there’s Batman, Superman, the Green Lantern, Aquaman. They’re called the Justice League and they fight evil. Have you found your Justice League? Not to fight evil that is, but have you found an exceptional team of workers to help you run a business and meet your goals?

Find your Justice League team, get all of your workers on the same page and watch your business soar to new heights with the right people on board. If your team right now isn’t quite at Justice League material, then you might need to make some tough decisions and revamp your staff.

Car sales professionals are often anything but a professional. And that’s a problem. Now we’re not saying that you need to think like a superhero in order to get the job done and make sure your customers are happy, but surely there’s a better way than the lying, devious kind.

Just think of Wonder Woman. Who knows – you might not have to pull anymore of your punches to grow your business by enlisting a little superhero help

About the Author:

Thad Baker works with Easterns Automotive Group. He enjoys writing about anything to do with cars and the automotive industry.

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